Bullet Point Bible

Rejection in His Hometown

¹ Now Jesus left that place and came to his hometown, and his disciples followed him.² When the Sabbath came, he began to teach in the synagogue. Many who heard him were astonished, saying, "Where did he get these ideas? And what is this wisdom that has been given to him? What are these miracles that are done through his hands?³ Isn't this the carpenter, the son of Mary and brother of James, Joses, Judas, and Simon? And aren't his sisters here with us?" And so they took offense at him.⁴ Then Jesus said to them, "A prophet is not without honor except in his hometown, and among his relatives, and in his own house."⁵ He was not able to do a miracle there, except to lay his hands on a few sick people and heal them.⁶ And he was amazed because of their unbelief. Then he went around among the villages and taught.

Jesus returns to Nazareth, his "hometown," expecting a different reception perhaps, but encountering familiarity breeding contempt.
The townspeople acknowledge his wisdom and miracles but are stumbled by his ordinary origins, questioning his authority ("Isn't this the carpenter?"). This highlights the theme of the "Messianic Secret" in Mark, where Jesus' true identity is often misunderstood or rejected.
Mentioning Jesus as "the son of Mary" might have been a subtle insult in that patriarchal society, possibly implying illegitimacy, as normally a man was identified by his father.
The listing of Jesus' brothers (James, Joses, Judas, Simon) and sisters provides evidence for Mary having other children after Jesus' birth. James later became a prominent leader in the Jerusalem church (Acts 15:13, Galatians 1:19).
Jesus quotes a proverbial saying about prophets lacking honor in their own hometown, applying it to his situation (Mark 6:4). This reflects a recurring pattern seen with Old Testament prophets like Jeremiah (Jeremiah 1:1, Jeremiah 11:21-23).
The statement "He could not do any miracles there" (Mark 6:5) is striking. It suggests that the townspeople's profound lack of faith limited the scope of Jesus' work, not his power. Faith is often presented as a channel or condition for receiving God's power (Mark 5:34, Mark 9:23-24).
Jesus' amazement (Mark 6:6) is a powerful indicator of the depth of their unbelief. It's one of the few times Mark records Jesus expressing astonishment, highlighting the shocking nature of their rejection.
This incident underscores the theme of human resistance to God's revelation, even when accompanied by clear evidence. Familiarity can blind people to the divine working in their midst.

Commissioning the Twelve

⁶ And he was amazed because of their unbelief. Then he went around among the villages and taught.

Following rejection in Nazareth, Jesus expands his ministry through his disciples, demonstrating a strategic shift.
Sending the disciples "two by two" (Mark 6:7) provided mutual support, accountability, and followed the legal principle of requiring two witnesses (Deuteronomy 19:15).
Jesus grants the Twelve "authority over unclean spirits," extending his own ministry of liberation and demonstrating the Kingdom of God's power over demonic forces.
The instructions for travel (Mark 6:8-9) emphasized radical dependence on God and the hospitality of others. They were to travel light, trusting God to provide through the people they served. This contrasts with the self-sufficiency often valued.
The prohibition against extra tunics or money reflects an urgency and focus on the mission, not material comfort. It also made them distinct from some wandering philosophers or charlatans of the day.
Staying in one house per town (Mark 6:10) prevented seeking better accommodations and showed contentment, avoiding potential divisions or favoritism within the community.
Shaking the dust off their feet (Mark 6:11) was a symbolic act, common in Jewish culture when leaving Gentile territory. Here, it signified judgment against unresponsive Jewish towns, indicating they were acting like pagans in rejecting God's messengers (See Acts 13:51).
The core message preached was repentance (Mark 6:12), aligning with both John the Baptist's and Jesus' initial proclamation (Mark 1:4, Mark 1:15).
Their ministry mirrored Jesus': preaching, exorcism, and healing (Mark 6:13). Anointing with oil was a common practice associated with healing and prayer in Jewish tradition (James 5:14).

Herod's Fear and John the Baptist's Death

¹⁴ Now King Herod heard this, for Jesus' name had become known. Some were saying, "John the baptizer has been raised from the dead, and because of this, miraculous powers are at work in him."¹⁵ Others said, "He is Elijah." Others said, "He is a prophet, like one of the prophets from the past."¹⁶ But when Herod heard this, he said, "John, whom I beheaded, has been raised!"¹⁷ For Herod himself had sent men, arrested John, and bound him in prison on account of Herodias, his brother Philip's wife, because Herod had married her.¹⁸ For John had repeatedly told Herod, "It is not lawful for you to have your brother's wife."¹⁹ So Herodias nursed a grudge against him and wanted to kill him. But she could not²⁰ because Herod stood in awe of John and protected him, since he knew that John was a righteous and holy man. When Herod heard him, he was thoroughly baffled, and yet he liked to listen to John.²¹ But a suitable day came, when Herod gave a banquet on his birthday for his court officials, military commanders, and leaders of Galilee.²² When his daughter Herodias came in and danced, she pleased Herod and his dinner guests. The king said to the girl, "Ask me for whatever you want and I will give it to you."²³ He swore to her, "Whatever you ask I will give you, up to half my kingdom."²⁴ So she went out and said to her mother, "What should I ask for?" Her mother said, "The head of John the baptizer."²⁵ Immediately she hurried back to the king and made her request: "I want the head of John the Baptist on a platter immediately."²⁶ Although it grieved the king deeply, he did not want to reject her request because of his oath and his guests.²⁷ So the king sent an executioner at once to bring John's head, and he went and beheaded John in prison.²⁸ He brought his head on a platter and gave it to the girl, and the girl gave it to her mother.²⁹ When John's disciples heard this, they came and took his body and placed it in a tomb.

This section functions as a flashback, explaining Herod Antipas's fear and connecting Jesus' growing fame to the fate of John the Baptist.
Public speculation about Jesus' identity varied: some thought he was John resurrected (fueled by Herod's guilty conscience), others Elijah (fulfilling Malachi 4:5), or another prophet. This shows Jesus' impact but also the confusion surrounding him.
Herod Antipas, tetrarch of Galilee and Perea, is portrayed as superstitious, morally weak, and influenced by others. His fear (Mark 6:16) reveals a troubled conscience over executing John.
John's imprisonment resulted from his courageous condemnation of Herod's marriage to Herodias, his brother Philip's wife, which violated Jewish law (Leviticus 18:16, Leviticus 20:21). John acted as a true prophet, speaking truth to power.
Herodias represents vindictiveness and manipulation, contrasting sharply with John's righteousness. Herod's conflicted state—fearing John yet liking to listen (Mark 6:20)—highlights his weakness.
The birthday banquet scene depicts the decadence and political maneuvering of Herod's court. The daughter's dance (likely Salome, though unnamed here) and Herod's rash oath set the stage for tragedy.
Herod's extravagant promise ("up to half my kingdom," Mark 6:23) echoes promises in Esther (Esther 5:3, 6), but here leads to murder, not salvation.
Herodias seizes the opportunity, manipulating her daughter to demand John's execution. The request for the head "on a platter" adds a gruesome, vindictive detail.
Herod's distress is overshadowed by his fear of losing face before his guests (Mark 6:26). He prioritizes his pride and oath over justice and his own conscience.
John's death mirrors the fate of many Old Testament prophets who were persecuted for righteousness' sake and foreshadows Jesus' own suffering and death at the hands of political and religious authorities.
John's disciples faithfully retrieve and bury his body (Mark 6:29), showing their loyalty even after his death.

Feeding the Five Thousand

³⁰ Then the apostles gathered around Jesus and told him everything they had done and taught.³¹ He said to them, "Come with me privately to an isolated place and rest a while" (for many were coming and going, and there was no time to eat).³² So they went away by themselves in a boat to some remote place.³³ But many saw them leaving and recognized them, and they hurried on foot from all the towns and arrived there ahead of them.³⁴ As Jesus came ashore he saw the large crowd and he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he taught them many things.³⁵ When it was already late, his disciples came to him and said, "This is an isolated place and it is already very late.³⁶ Send them away so that they can go into the surrounding countryside and villages and buy something for themselves to eat."³⁷ But he answered them, "You give them something to eat." And they said, Should we go and buy bread for 200 silver coins and give it to them to eat?³⁸ He said to them, "How many loaves do you have? Go and see." When they found out, they said, Five-and two fish.³⁹ Then he directed them all to sit down in groups on the green grass.⁴⁰ So they reclined in groups of hundreds and fifties.⁴¹ He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. He gave them to his disciples to serve the people, and he divided the two fish among them all.⁴² They all ate and were satisfied,⁴³ and they picked up the broken pieces and fish that were left over, twelve baskets full.⁴⁴ Now there were 5,000 men who ate the bread.

The apostles return from their mission, reporting their activities to Jesus, highlighting their accountability to him.
Jesus shows concern for his disciples' well-being, seeking a retreat for rest (Mark 6:31), demonstrating the importance of balancing ministry with personal renewal.
Despite seeking solitude, the crowds pursue Jesus, indicating his immense popularity and the people's desperation for his teaching and healing.
Jesus' "compassion" (Mark 6:34) is central. He sees the crowd's spiritual hunger ("like sheep without a shepherd," echoing Numbers 27:17; Ezekiel 34:5) and responds by teaching them first.
The disciples see the practical problem (lack of food, remote location, late hour) and suggest a practical solution: dismissal (Mark 6:35-36).
Jesus challenges the disciples: "{{You give them something to eat}}" (Mark 6:37), pushing them beyond their perceived limitations and inviting them to participate in his divine provision. Their response highlights the seeming impossibility (200 denarii was about eight months' wages).
Jesus works with the little they have (five loaves, two fish), demonstrating God's ability to multiply meager resources. This echoes the miracle of Elisha feeding 100 men (2 Kings 4:42-44).
The actions of Jesus—taking, blessing, breaking, giving (Mark 6:41)—are profoundly Eucharistic, foreshadowing the Last Supper (Mark 14:22) and pointing to Jesus as the Bread of Life (John 6:35).
The orderly arrangement of the crowd (groups of 50s and 100s) suggests organization and perhaps echoes the Israelites in the wilderness (Exodus 18:21, 25).
Everyone ate and was "satisfied" (Mark 6:42), emphasizing the abundance of God's provision. The twelve baskets of leftovers (Mark 6:43)—one for each apostle?—symbolize completeness and God's superabundance, far exceeding the initial need.
This miracle is the only one recorded in all four Gospels, highlighting its significance as a demonstration of Jesus' divine power and compassionate provision.

Jesus Walks on Water

⁴⁵ Immediately Jesus made his disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side, to Bethsaida, while he dispersed the crowd.⁴⁶ After saying goodbye to them, he went to the mountain to pray.⁴⁷ When evening came, the boat was in the middle of the sea and he was alone on the land.⁴⁸ He saw them straining at the oars, because the wind was against them. As the night was ending, he came to them walking on the sea, for he wanted to pass by them.⁴⁹ When they saw him walking on the water they thought he was a ghost. They cried out,⁵⁰ for they all saw him and were terrified. But immediately he spoke to them: "Have courage! It is I. Do not be afraid."⁵¹ Then he went up with them into the boat, and the wind ceased. They were completely astonished,⁵² because they did not understand about the loaves, but their hearts were hardened.

Jesus seeks solitude for prayer again (Mark 6:46), emphasizing his dependence on the Father, especially after significant ministry activity. This contrasts with the disciples battling the storm.
The disciples struggle against the wind and waves (Mark 6:48), symbolizing the challenges faced in life and ministry, often feeling distant from Jesus' presence.
Jesus comes to them "walking on the sea," a demonstration of divine power over the chaotic forces of nature. In the Old Testament, only God treads upon the sea (Job 9:8; Psalm 77:19).
Mark's detail that Jesus "intended to pass them by" (Mark 6:48) is puzzling. It might echo God's self-revelations where He "passes by" (Exodus 33:19, 22; 1 Kings 19:11), a theophany meant to provoke recognition.
The disciples' terror and belief that Jesus is a ghost (Mark 6:49) reveal their lack of perception and fear despite witnessing the feeding miracle earlier.
Jesus' words "{{Have courage! It is I. Do not be afraid}}" (Mark 6:50) are crucial. "It is I" (Greek: *ego eimi*) can echo God's divine name "I AM" (Exodus 3:14 in the Septuagint), a claim to divinity.
Jesus entering the boat brings immediate calm (Mark 6:51), symbolizing the peace and security found in his presence amidst life's storms.
Mark explicitly links the disciples' amazement and lack of understanding to the feeding miracle: "they did not understand about the loaves, because their hearts were hardened" (Mark 6:52). They failed to grasp the implication of Jesus' identity revealed in the feeding, leading to their fear on the water. This highlights a central theme in Mark: the disciples' struggle to truly understand who Jesus is.

Healing the Sick in Gennesaret

⁵³ After they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennesaret and anchored there.⁵⁴ As they got out of the boat, people immediately recognized Jesus.⁵⁵ They ran through that whole region and began to bring the sick on mats to wherever he was rumored to be.⁵⁶ And wherever he would go-into villages, towns, or countryside-they would place the sick in the marketplaces, and would ask him if they could just touch the edge of his cloak, and all who touched it were healed.

Upon landing at Gennesaret (a fertile plain northwest of the Sea of Galilee), Jesus' reputation precedes him, and the response is immediate and widespread.
Unlike the rejection in Nazareth, here the people actively seek Jesus out, demonstrating great faith and desperation.
People brought the sick "on mats," indicating severe conditions requiring assistance, similar to the paralytic in Mark 2:3.
The desire to touch even "the edge of his cloak" (Mark 6:56) recalls the faith of the woman with the hemorrhage (Mark 5:27-29). It shows a belief, perhaps bordering on superstition for some, in the power radiating from Jesus himself.
The sheer scale of the healings ("all who touched it were healed") emphasizes Jesus' immense power and compassion, meeting the overwhelming needs of the people.
This concluding section contrasts sharply with the rejection at Nazareth (Mark 6:1-6a) and the disciples' hardened hearts (Mark 6:52), showing that simple, desperate faith receives Jesus' power, even if understanding is incomplete.
The scene depicts the constant demand on Jesus' ministry and his unwavering willingness to heal and restore, fulfilling prophecies of the Messiah's work (Isaiah 35:5-6).

Additional Content

⁷ Jesus called the twelve and began to send them out two by two. He gave them authority over the unclean spirits.⁸ He instructed them to take nothing for the journey except a staff -no bread, no bag, no money in their belts-⁹ and to put on sandals but not to wear two tunics.¹⁰ He said to them, "Wherever you enter a house, stay there until you leave the area.¹¹ If a place will not welcome you or listen to you, as you go out from there, shake the dust off your feet as a testimony against them."¹² So they went out and preached that all should repent.¹³ They cast out many demons and anointed many sick people with olive oil and healed them.

The Bullet Point Bible

Mark 6